Nancy Jane Buenger
Nancy Jane Buenger, beloved wife of Fred G. Buenger, was unexpectedly taken to Heaven on Nov. 16, 2007, as a result of a heart attack.
Born on July 6, 1938, and raised in Lima, Ohio, Nancy Jane Korn traveled out west with her family shortly after graduating from high school to settle in Ventura, Calif.
Although she immediately distinguished herself within the County's Civil Service Department, she found Fred's proposal irresistible.
On Jan. 5, 1958, she committed herself to the role of wife and mother, for which we, her family, thank God daily. The two made their home in Oxnard, Calif., where Fred was born, and maintained a home there for more than 20 years.
Illustrative of the knowledge and joy she brought her family was the way she orchestrated their seven-week trek around the United States in 1975. Nancy was the one who thoroughly researched the history and points of interest that made the trip a "life altering" experience for each of us. As anyone who traveled with Nancy knew, (short journey or long), the breadth of her knowledge and her ability to tell the story of what unfolded before them made the trip memorable.
Throughout her life Nancy stood shoulder to shoulder with her husband Fred as they raised their family and built their company. In 1981 Nancy and Fred decided to explore outer areas of Ventura County, settling in Santa Paula for the next 21 years. During this time they continued to operate their businesses in the Channel Islands Harbor, Santa Barbara and Cabo San Lucas, with Nancy assuming more day to day administrative responsibility. Not only did she accept each of the challenges as they arose, she was steadfast and critical to the successful outcome. Her incredible intellect and careful attention to detail contributed greatly to the success of Coast Chandlery and the Marine Emporium.
With her children on their own path, and the businesses running smoothly as their son Steve assumed the managerial reins, Nancy and Fred headed north to Idaho in 1991. There they discovered the wonderful community of Sandpoint/Clark Fork.
Although she had for years written all ad copy, newsletters, announcements, etc. for their businesses, it was in their log home on the Clark Fork River that Nancy's heart was happy and she was able to pursue her long held dream to write creatively.
An adventure to Sointula on Malcolm Island, British Columbia in 2003 caused Nancy and Fred to establish a beautiful home there. Once again she created an exceptional and loving home. For her, an integral part of this always included the group of people who soon grew to know and love her. And, as each of them knew, whether in Clark Fork, Sointula or elsewhere, they were all very important to her.
At Nancy's core was her faith in God. Strong and burning bright to the moment she left us, it was her guiding light, causing her to inspire and encourage all around her. To those blessed to know her, these words will seem inadequate. She was an extraordinary human being, filled with grace and understanding.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Fred G. Buenger; a daughter, Jane Semones; a son, Steve Buenger; her brothers, David and Robert Korn; her mother Elsie Seelinger; her granddaughters Alexandra and Katie Buenger; and grandsons Thomas and Bryan Buenger.
A memorial service will be held on Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. at Coffelt Funeral Service, 109 North Division Ave., Sandpoint, ID 83864.
Donations may be made in memory of Nancy Buenger to either of these causes dear to her heart: Cabinet Mountain Calvary Chapel in Clark Fork, PO Box 461, Clark Fork, ID 83811; or its teen outreach program, Filling Station, Inc., PO Box 777, Clark Fork, ID 83811
For more information, or to post comments and share memories, family and friends are invited to log in to www.coffeltfuneral.com.